9/07/09 Leader's Guide

Small Group Questions for the Week of September 7th

Getting Started

1) Faith Essentials: We’re inviting our members to join us for our Faith Essentials Workshop that starts September 15^th. This time is designed to equip you in knowing what you believe and why you believe it. If interested sign up at the information table or email groups@newlifecommunitychurch.net

2) What do you find to be most difficult about sharing your faith: desire (wanting to share it) or delivery (knowing how to share it)? Why?

3) Who is the one person you would most like to see come to faith in Christ?

Digging Deeper (2 Corinthians 5:10-21)

Motive for Mission

4) In verses 11, Paul says that knowing the “fear of the Lord” motivates him to try to “persuade men.” According to the previous verse, what does Paul fear from God? How should fear of God move us to love our neighbors with the gospel? How do we avoid guilt-motivated evangelism?

In the previous verses, Paul speaks of the judgment seat of Christ where he will give account to Jesus for the stewardship of the gospel. The fear is rooted in displeasing Jesus by failing to love one's neighbor with the good news. A proper fear of God should help to motivate us to obey Christ in all areas of life. One potential downside is when "fear" or "guilt" serve as the only things that motivate us. This passage also addresses the "love of Christ" as a fueling factor.

5) In verse 12-13, the apostle says that his mission work wasn’t motivated by a desire to promote himself? What are some of the ways that we can be motivated to share Christ with bad motives?

(a) to show off to others. (b) to gain a following. (c) to have a big church for the sake of having one.

6) In verse 14, Paul says that Christ’s love compels (i.e. motivates) him and his company. What is it about Christ’s love that makes mission for Paul a non-negotiable? Do you think that evangelism is required of all believers?

Though the apostles had a special apostolic call to promote the gospel, we are all called to share God's love to everyone.

7) In verse 16, Paul declares, “We regard no one from a worldly point of view.” What are some ways that we can discriminate against people, even with the good news? Why should the love of Christ compel us to fight against discrimination?

(a) to think people are too far gone for the gospel. (b) to purposely limit you evangelism to people just like you. Christ died for all men, therefore we're called to share with all without discrimination.

Method for Mission

8) In verse 19, it says that God committed to us the “message of reconciliation.” Some have said, “preach the gospel, and use words if necessary.” Using verse 19, what’s wrong with this statement?

If its all good deeds without a verbal presentation of Jesus, people are left up to their own imaginations as to why you did what you did. We would be leaving people to infer the gospel from our good deeds. Chances are they won't.

9) Verse 20 says, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.” In our age, what does it mean for someone to be an ambassador of a country? What are some practical tips that we can borrow from this earthly example to help us in our promotion of the gospel?

10) Verse 20, Paul uses words like “appeal” and “implore” as how he presented to truth to people. It’s been said people don’t care what you know until they know that you care. How did this truth figure into to Paul’s life of mission? What are some practical ways we can build credibility with people for the sake of the gospel? What are some practical ways we ruin our credibility?

11) In verse 21, what are the truths in Paul’s summary of the gospel that are important to share with people? Why are they important?

Putting it Into Practice

12) Who’s Your One: Spend some time and discuss some tactful ways to reach out to your one. Spend some time and pray for them.